More About Us

Steve Wall (Chairman & Coach/Trainer) is turning his hand to coaching and developing others to put something back into a sport he has enjoyed for over 30 years.

A soldier since 1982, having served on the front line in hostile operations spanning the globe, Steve has lots of experience in physical fitness and leadership. He now commands the Joint Service Mountain Training Wing at Ballachulish, so is still very active outdoors.

Previously, he competed at a high level in middle- and long-distance running, culminating in a gruelling 100-mile race in 24 hours in combat gear carrying a pack. Steve was one of only two competitors (out of 600) to complete the challenge. An accomplished runner and navigator, his speciality was orienteering; he managed the Infantry Orienteering Team for 10 years and still competes as a veteran.

A fit body equals a fit mind and fitness is more encompassing than just running, so as Chairman he is delighted to have such an experienced and qualified team - for example, Lisa Lawson, a personal trainer and unique motivator. Steve’s philosophy in life is that everyone deserves a chance and with Cairngorm Runners there is place for everyone, whether merely walking/jogging or elite club runner, you are all very welcome to join our “friendly” club.

"Whatever your goal - lose weight, run in races, keep fit (maintain or improve health and fitness), feel good, recovery from injury, or train for an event - running will help you achieve it."

Lisa Lawson (Vice Chairman, Coach/Trainer & Social Convenor) has been keen on exercise and fitness all her life so at the age of 40, decided to pursue her passion and do it for a living.

Lisa went back to college and gained a qualification in Health, Fitness and Exercise and is now listed on the Register of Exercise Professionals as a Level 3 Advanced Instructor. She is passionate about healthy lifestyles including exercise, healthy eating and positive thinking. Lisa's main love is running and encouraging others to love running too! The benefits are endless (don’t get her started!!!) but she also enjoy playing tennis and skiing.

Exercise and fitness can be life changing and Lisa is enthusiastic and motivated and uses these skills to help clients achieve their goals and reach their potential. You could call her an Exercise Evangelist!!!

Jeannette Meldrum (Beginner's Coach) finds seeing new runners develop in their abilities and confidence a rewarding experience.

Jeannette has always been an outdoors person, doing a fair amount of walking, riding and aerobics. However, when fast approaching another milestone birthday, she decided to really take herself in hand and get some personal training from Lisa Lawson, who is now one of her best friends.

Jeannette did her first 5k in Inverness 3 years ago and has not looked back since. Now, she has done 3 half marathons and intends to do a full marathon this year.

She got interested in coaching when the club started the Monday sessions for beginners last year. Jeannette says she finds it very rewarding to help people attain their goals and just loves seeing how quickly a new runner can come on.

"If I can do it, anyone can!!!! SO COME AND JOIN US...YOU WON'T REGRET IT."

Melissa Wall (Treasurer and Jog Leader), a relative newcomer to running, found that perseverance pays.

Melissa started running in 2006 (despite having never run for a bus before) and decided to give running a go to improve her overall fitness and perhaps even drop a few pounds! She started by jogging in woodlands behind her house for just over a mile, which used to take her 25 min plus 3 stops and a lot of heavy breathing and sweating! However, she stuck with it and is now addicted...

She regularly takes part in 10km races all over the Highlands and admits that, although her finish times aren't exceptional, they are pretty reasonable! She is now passionate about running, gym exercise and nutrition and is a newly qualified jogscotland Jog Leader.

Her advice to anyone thinking about taking up running is "start slowly, recognise the small improvements (they all count!), congratulate yourself for getting out there in the fresh air (after all, our surrounding area is a runner's paradise!) and most of all enjoy it and the benefits it will bring to mind and body".

"I never feel more alive than when I'm running."